ATHENS — At its March 20 meeting, the Athens Recreation Advisory Board heard a comprehensive staff report on park and facility projects, spring and summer programming, and staff changes that the department expects to implement over the coming months.

Department staff reported that an ad hoc committee with the Athens Municipal Arts Council selected artist Ellen Gagliano to create the city’s 25th‑anniversary sculpture; staff and the artist are refining the final design. The board said brick sponsorships for engraved pavers remain under negotiation after a Logan Monument quote of about $50 per brick. Staff said they are awaiting a second estimate from Miller Monument and may purchase an engraver if the quotes remain high.

Staff gave updates on several park projects: the new prefabricated restroom building at West State Street Park has state‑approved plans and will be installed on a prepared foundation; staff said delivery and assembly could put the building in place by late June. Work at Crosley Field (adjacent to Westside Community Gardens) will include an in‑house gravel parking area; staff said construction timing depends on crew availability and may occur in May or June. Highland Park’s shelter will be replaced adjacent to the playground and restroom; staff said they will level a nearby flat area so the shelter ties directly into the sidewalk. Sales Park will receive several sculptures mounted on anchors being fabricated by the artist’s firm; the skate‑park renovation is on hold pending an updated combined proposal.

Inside the community center, staff are seeking proposals to create two enclosed office spaces and to replace worn flooring in childcare and conference rooms. RVC is designing a renovation to convert a janitor’s closet into a single‑user, universally accessible restroom; staff said that construction would likely occur in 2026. The board also heard that maintenance crews replaced motors, winches and cables on the gym’s front basketball hoops.

Staff reported project and equipment updates across parks: certificate‑of‑occupancy work is ongoing for “Campotan” (staff said they are waiting on a blueprint and state approvals), dog‑park water fountains and a West State Street playground communication board await installation, and AED units have been delivered and are awaiting cabinet installation.

On programming, staff said spring soccer registration increased across age groups, including about 100 kindergarten registrants. Summer camp capacity was expanded by adding 10 spots per week, which staff said added about 80 total spots. The department reported 57 returning seasonal staff and that 21 new hires are already on board; staff have closed the application period and are scheduling certification and recertification for lifeguards and other roles.

The pool season plan includes a weekend opening tied to a graduation weekend; staff said they will again offer a pre‑season day for pass sales and swim tests. The department plans to resume a sensory swim program, likely on Sunday mornings, with sponsorship support from SoSol expected again this year.

Staff said the department is working with Mission Met on a three‑year strategic plan and plans a public launch of the plan in mid‑May. Arts programming updates noted a new community studio at Arts West, a call for submissions for “Taste of Athens” through April 24, and two upcoming Art in the Park events (first Friday in April and first Friday in May), with the April event scheduled as Paint at the Pond at Sales Park at 5:30 p.m.

On personnel, the board was told that the program specialist for parks and recreation is leaving in May; interviews for candidates were scheduled to begin next week. The community‑center employee Vanessa is retiring this summer; staff said they will request a change to the staffing ordinance to abolish her current position and add a program specialist for athletics and fitness programming, restoring a position the department has held previously. Staff said they will redistribute some of Vanessa’s duties among existing positions and aim to overlap hiring so the new specialist can be trained before the incumbent departs.

Other operational notes: the pilot controlled deer archery program concluded with five deer taken; staff said they have planted and prepared sports fields for spring use; and Adam (parks staff) has coordinated movable panels for gallery shows in the community performance space.

Votes at a glance
- Agenda approval: motion to approve the meeting agenda was moved and seconded on the record and carried by voice vote.
- January minutes: motion to approve January minutes was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.
- Adjournment: motion to adjourn was seconded and carried; meeting adjourned.

The board set its next regular meeting for Thursday, April 17 at 5:30 p.m. and discussed scheduling a joint meeting with the Athens Municipal Arts Council in late spring to follow up on arts‑related projects.